Name: Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 5 skinless salmon fillets, 6 oz. each; 2 1/2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 3/4 cup Asian sweet chili sauce (like Mae Ploy); 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek), adjust to taste; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 2 large ripe but firm yellow peaches, peeled and chopped; 1 Roma tomato, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup minced red onion; 1 jalapeño, minced; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons minced cilantro; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold, exciting flavors and balances heat with vibrant sweetness, let me introduce you to the Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe. This recipe features tender salmon fillets coated in a spicy, tangy firecracker sauce paired perfectly with a fresh, juicy peach salsa that adds a stunning pop of color and brightness. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknights or impressing guests without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A raw salmon fillet is lying flat in a round silver pan, covered evenly with a light layer of fine flour mixed with spices. The salmon has a pink-orange color that is softly visible under the flour coating. The flour shows a powdery, slightly grainy texture scattered around the pan's bottom, forming uneven patches with some swirled marks. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful hues. From the mild heat of chili sauces to the fresh crunch of veggies in the salsa, it all comes together effortlessly.

Salmon fillets: Fresh and skinless, these are the star protein, naturally rich and tender.
Flour: Helps create a light coating that makes the salmon’s crust irresistibly crisp.
Salt, garlic powder, ground ginger, paprika, pepper: This blend seasons the flour for a balanced, savory base with subtle warmth.
Neutral oil: Like canola or vegetable oil, perfect for searing the salmon without overpowering flavors.
Asian sweet chili sauce: Adds that signature sweet-spicy kick essential to the Fire Cracker sauce.
Reduced sodium soy sauce: Brings depth and umami without being too salty.
Red wine vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness to balance sweetness.
Honey: Adds a gentle floral sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
Asian chili sauce: Like Sambal Oelek, this amps up the heat—adjustable to your personal taste.
Toasted sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch giving the sauce a nutty aroma.
Ripe yellow peaches: Peeled and chopped, these create a juicy, sweet base for the salsa.
Roma tomato: Adds freshness and a hint of acidity to the salsa.
Red bell pepper: For crunch and mild sweetness in the salsa.
Minced red onion: Brings a slight sharpness to balance the fruitiness.
Jalapeño: Provides a spicy kick with a fresh, green flavor.
Lime juice: Brightens and refreshes all the salsa ingredients.
Minced cilantro: Adds herbaceous notes and color.
Salt and pepper: To season the peach salsa perfectly to your liking.

How to Make Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Salsa

Start by combining the peeled and chopped peaches, Roma tomato, red bell pepper, minced red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set it aside. This salsa brings a fresh, fruity contrast that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Firecracker Sauce

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the Asian sweet chili sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce, red wine vinegar, honey, Asian chili sauce, and toasted sesame oil. This fiery yet balanced sauce is what makes the salmon so irresistibly flavorful. Set it aside, so it’s ready when your salmon hits the pan.

Step 3: Season and Coat the Salmon

Whisk together the flour, salt, garlic powder, ground ginger, paprika, and pepper in a large shallow dish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently for a nice coating. This seasoning layer ensures every bite of salmon is packed with flavorful crunch.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

Heat your neutral oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon fillets and sear the first side until deeply golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Flip carefully and sear the other side for around 2 minutes. This quick searing forms the perfect texture base before adding the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Simmer with Firecracker Sauce

Pour the prepared Firecracker Sauce over the salmon directly in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook until the salmon reaches your preferred doneness, ideally about 130 degrees F if you use a thermometer, usually 2-3 minutes. This step infuses the salmon with that signature spicy-sweet flavor and keeps it tender and juicy.

Step 6: Serve with Peach Salsa

Remove the skillet from heat and spoon some of the sauce over the salmon. Plate the fillets and generously top or serve alongside the fresh Peach Salsa. This dish is beautifully vibrant and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or your favorite grain.

How to Serve Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe

A white plate holds a layer of fluffy white rice as the base. On top, slightly to the left, there is a single piece of cooked salmon covered with a shiny, reddish-orange glaze and small green onion slices scattered over it. To the right side of the plate, bright green broccoli florets with lightly charred edges sit partially on the rice. A wooden fork rests at the upper left side of the plate, touching the rice. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top of the salmon for a bit of crunch and an extra hint of flavor. These simple garnishes elevate the visual appeal and add subtle texture contrasts that delight the palate.

Side Dishes

Rice is a classic companion—white jasmine or brown rice both soak up the spicy sauce beautifully. For something lighter, consider a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like snap peas or asparagus to balance the rich salmon flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the firecracker salmon on a bed of coconut rice and add avocado slices on the side for creamy richness. Or create an assorted platter with peach salsa served in small bowls accompanied by crispy wonton chips to scoop up the salsa and salmon bites for a tapas-style dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salsa separate if possible to preserve its fresh texture. Reheat the salmon gently to avoid drying it out.

Freezing

While fresh salmon tastes best, you can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The peach salsa is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to its high water content.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the salmon gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 275°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery. Add a fresh splash of peach salsa after reheating for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to score the skin slightly to help it crisp up and cook evenly. You may want to sear the skin side first to get that deliciously crispy texture before flipping to cook the other side.

Is the Fire Cracker Salmon very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted, especially by controlling the amount of Asian chili sauce (like Sambal Oelek). This recipe balances heat with sweetness, but if you prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the chili sauce or omit the jalapeño in the salsa.

Can I make the peach salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peach salsa a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. The flavors meld even more nicely after resting, but be sure to add the cilantro and lime juice last minute for fresh brightness.

What if I can’t find Asian sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, try mixing sweet chili garlic sauce or a combination of sweet chili paste with a bit of honey and rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile. It gives you that sweet-heat punch that the recipe depends on.

Can I substitute the peaches in the salsa?

Yes! If peaches are out of season, try using nectarines, apricots, or even mangoes for a different but equally delicious fruity sweetness in the salsa. Each will bring a unique twist but still complement the spicy salmon beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Fire Cracker Salmon with Peach Salsa Recipe enough if you want a dish that dazzles with fresh, exciting flavors and is surprisingly easy to make. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful combination—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!